Tag Archives: Consumer Sentiment

Consumer sentiment dropped substantially in the first May reading in the University of Michigan'sConsumer Sentiment Index, from 95.9 in April down to 88.6, its lowest level since October of last year.

The optimism expressed by consumers toward the economy and the housing market at the beginning of the year has stalled as consumers' attitudes toward personal finances and wage growth have taken a step backward, according to Fannie Mae's March 2015 Housing Survey released Tuesday. Whereas February's survey showed that consumer optimism toward the economy was at an all-time high, March's survey painted a different picture.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Summary released in early February reported an average hourly wage gain of 12 cents month-over-month, from $24.63 to $24.75. Still, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said after that report was released that more wage growth is needed in order for the economy, and hence the housing industry, to recover.

The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan survey of consumer sentiment came in at a preliminary index reading of 93.8 for December, up from November's final reading of 88.8. December's report beat economists' forecasts by more than four points and puts the index at its highest level since January 2007.

The University of Michigan/Thomson Reuters Index of Consumer Sentiment slipped to 79.9 in a preliminary March report after finishing February at 81.6. A consensus forecast from economists surveyed by Bloomberg projected a slight climb to 81.8. Even with the latest decline, “[c]onsumer sentiment has been weathering the winter rather well,” said Chris Christopher, director of consumer economics for IHS Global Insight.